Access Bank International Women's Day Conference 2026
Date
26th of March 2026
TIME
10:00am (GMT+1)
About The Conference
The 2026 Women’s Day Conference by Access Bank’s W Initiative explores the power of giving time, mentorship, and opportunity for collective gain.
Under the theme #GiveToGain, this year’s event will convene visionary leaders, industry experts, and changemakers for dynamic keynote addresses and thought-provoking panel discussions. Together, we will examine how intentional generosity creates sustainable growth across generations.
What #GiveToGain Means to us
"True leadership isn't about what you hold — it's about what you hand forward."
Chizoma Okoli
What #GiveToGain Means to us
"#GiveToGain is our commitment to building ecosystems where collective advancement becomes the standard."
Amaechi Okobi
What #GiveToGain Means to us
"When we give women intentional access to capital and opportunity, we activate a multiplier effect across families, enterprises and entire economies. To give to women is to gain lasting impact."
Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi
What #GiveToGain Means to us
"#GiveToGain is a reminder that progress is never accidental.
Olumide Olatunji
What #GiveToGain Means to us
"To give is to lead. Leadership is not measured by how much we accumulate, but by how many pathways we open for others."
Ifeyinwa Osime
Event Details
Mojibade Sosanya
Renowned Host/Compere/The Lady MC
Mojibade Sosanya will share her journey of building global impact through strategic giving and tech-enabled collaboration for women in emerging markets.
Hon. Hannatu Musawa, Esq-
Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa is a visionary leader and accomplished legal practitioner, serving as Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. Called to the Bar in 2003, she has built a distinguished career across law, public policy, and media. She was also one of the lawyers on the prosecution's leading team in the past Presidential Election Petitions of 2003, 2007, and 2011. She has served on the NEITI Board, contested for the House of Representatives, and held strategic APC roles, including Deputy Spokesperson for the 2023 campaign. A member of Afreximbank’s CAAG, she is driving initiatives to unlock Nigeria’s creative economy, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance global cultural influence.
Daniel M. Best
7th President, Carribean Development Bank
Ifunanya Igwe
Moderator
Ifunanya (Ify) Igwe is a renowned international event host and broadcast journalist, known for her charisma, eloquence, and ability to command any stage. She has hosted high-profile events for organizations including the German Consulate, Advantage Austria, Diageo, and Mastercard Foundation. A seasoned multimedia journalist, she previously served as Director of Programmes at Lagos Talks 91.3FM and currently hosts The Blueprint. She has interviewed influential figures across sectors. Ify is also the founder of a media consultancy and production company, where she drives media strategy, brand communications, and content production, helping brands and individuals achieve greater visibility through strategic storytelling.
Tara Fela Durotoye
Founder, House of Tara International & Building Beyond You Institute
Tara Fela-Durotoye R.O.I is an activator, inspiring communicator, and visionary business leader empowering women and entrepreneurs across Africa. A pioneer of Nigeria’s beauty industry, she founded House of Tara International, establishing the first makeup academy, indigenous brand, and retail chain. She also founded Building Beyond You Institute and leads SEEP Africa, aiming to train one million entrepreneurs. Recognised globally, she is a Forbes-listed leader, IWEC awardee, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. An alumna of LBS, INSEAD, Yale, and Harvard, she is a member of the Royal Order of the Iwere Kingdom and a devoted wife and mother.
Chude Jideonwo
Moderator
Chude Jideonwo is a lawyer and media entrepreneur with 25 years’ experience across advertising, PR, television, film, and digital media. He co-founded RED | For Africa, The Future Awards Africa, YNaija, and Joy, Inc., leading campaigns that shaped social movements and elections across Africa. He later founded Joy, Inc. to promote human flourishing and launched #WithChude, a leading Pan-African talk platform. He has advised global institutions including Meta, Google, and the Gates Foundation, and teaches at Pan-Atlantic University. A champion of Africa’s creator economy, he launched major incubators and funds, earning global recognition including Forbes 30 Under 30 and Yale World Fellow.
Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili
Former Minister of Education, Nigerian economic policy expert, advocate for transparency and activist.
Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili is a Nigerian economic policy expert, transparency advocate, and activist. She served as Vice President of the World Bank (Africa Region), Nigeria’s Minister of Education and Solid Minerals, and led the Budget Monitoring Unit, earning the nickname “Madam Due Process.” A co-founder of Transparency International and the #BringBackOurGirls movement, she also founded #FixPolitics, SPPG, and Human Capital Africa. A 2019 presidential candidate and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, she has received global honours. She holds degrees from UNN, UNILAG, and Harvard, is a chartered accountant, and chairs the Women Political Leaders board.
Bolanle Olukanni
Panel Moderator
Bolanle Austeen Peters
Founder and Managing Director, Terra Kulture
Bolanle Austen-Peters is a Nigerian lawyer, award-winning film and theatre director, producer, and cultural entrepreneur, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Nigerian theatre. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Terra Kulture, a leading arts and culture centre in Lagos. Through Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions, she has staged acclaimed works like Saro The Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, and Death and the King’s Horseman. She has also produced award-winning films including The Bling Lagosians and 93 Days.
Austen-Peters has been featured three consecutive times in Forbes Afrique as one of the Most Influential Women in Africa and has been described by CNN as “the woman pioneering theatre in Nigeria.” She is also the founder of the Terra Academy for the Arts, an initiative aimed at training tens of thousands of young Nigerians in creative and technical skills for the film and theatre industries.
Olatomiwa Williams
Chief Growth & AI Officer, Middle East and Africa, Microsoft
Chief Growth & AI Officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa Growth Market, she leads AI and cloud strategies driving digital transformation and sustainable growth across the region. She partners with enterprises, governments, and industry leaders to advance responsible AI adoption. With deep experience leading large-scale initiatives, she previously served as General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana. She is also the Founder of Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit focused on preparing and positioning women for tech leadership. Her visionary leadership, expertise, and strong advocacy for women in technology make her a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth.
Sola Adesakin
Founder, Smart Money Stewards
Sola Adesakin, FCA, FCCA, CPA, MBA, CFEI, is a globally recognised wealth coach and chartered accountant with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organisations build sustainable wealth. She holds a BSc from Oxford Brookes University and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA).
As the founder of Smart Stewards Financial Advisory and Smart Stewards Academy, Sola has helped thousands of people across over 60 countries understand, manage, and grow their finances through education, advisory, and technology-enabled solutions. Through her work, she simplifies complex financial concepts and equips people to move from financial stress to stability and wealth creation.
An advocate for financial inclusion and gender equality, she also leads initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs and serves as an executive coach, speaker, and author committed to making financial literacy practical and accessible.
About W
Women are the pulse of inspiration behind everything we do at the W Initiative
The International award-winning W Initiative is Access Bank’s platform for advancing gender inclusion—empowering women through tailored financial solutions, business support, and lifestyle programs. At its heart is the W Community, a vibrant ecosystem supporting women at every stage, from Gen Z and emerging professionals to entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Explore the Power of 100
Discover the stories of 100 exceptional women whose leadership, resilience, and innovation continue to shape industries and communities across Africa. The Power of 100 eBook celebrates impact and inspires the next generation to give boldly and gain collectively.
Experience The Impact
Watch how the W Community movement is changing lives across the continent. Hear directly from our community members about their jorney with the W Initiative
Join 50,000+ Women Worldwide
W Experience Centre
Explore the W Experience Centre at the Conference, connect with our featured exhibitors and enjoy exclusive perk, special discounts, and exciting experiences specially curated for Access Bank W Debit Card holders.
- ENJOY
- 5% discount on all orders
- ENJOY
- Free 10-minute complimentary massage session for 30 attendees
- Shop travel -size ORÍKÌ products
- ENJOY
- 5% off meals
- ENJOY
- Exclusive discount up to 20% discount on available and select beauty products
- ENJOY
- Free product testing & complimentary foundation shade matching
- 10% discounts on select products & special gifts for attendees visiting the Nuban Beauty Booth
- ENJOY
- Mini consultations on products suitability & on-site product education.
- Up to 50% discount on selected products
- 50 conference attendees will receive complimentary packs of Perfectil supplements along with branded merchandise.
- ENJOY
- Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Tests.
- Free Fertility and gynecological education by gynecologists and fertility experts
- Free women’s health educational materials
- ENJOY
- Free relaxing activities at the Zen Lounge— a calm, immersive space to rest, breathe and reconnect.
- Short-guided breathing, grounding, meditation and aromatherapy resets.
- Free Colouring in, Creative play & Games including Jenga, Ludo, Card games for lighthearted interactions